Role of Sodium Phenylbutyrate and Suramin in the Prevention of Ulcerative Colitis Induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium

Abstract

Objective: Ulcerative colitis is a relapsing inflammatory condition confined to the colonic mucosa in which persistent immune activation is accompanied by oxidative damage and epithelial disruption. This study investigated whether sodium phenylbutyrate (PBA) and suramin could mitigate these pathological changes in a mouse model of experimentally induced colitis. Materials and Methods: Following induction of colitis with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), the efficacy of PBA and suramin was evaluated by clinical disease activity and histological scoring. Using immunohistochemical and spectrophotometric approaches, changes in proliferative activity, antioxidant enzymes, and oxidative stress indicators were analyzed. Western blot analysis was performed to assess cytokine, cyclooxygenase-2, and active caspase-3 levels together with histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation modification; signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1, STAT3, and sirtuin (SIRT) gene expression were quantified by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: DSS aggravated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses while suppressing proliferative activity, anti-inflammatory signaling, and antioxidant defense systems in colon tissue. Treatment with PBA or suramin partially reversed these alterations, improving redox balance and inflammatory status and modulating gene expression and histone modifications. Conclusion: These results suggest that PBA and suramin exert protective effects against DSS-induced colitis through the modulation of apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, supporting their potential therapeutic value in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Keywords

• Sodium phenylbutyrate
• suramin
• ulcerative colitis
• dextran sulfate sodium
• mice

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